It is scary enough if you or a loved one develops symptoms that may indicate COVID-19 infection. But lack of information on the testing procedure can be scarier too. Proper information can help you deal with the testing procedure a bit more easily.

COVID-19 testing is mandatory for anyone developing the symptoms. If you are traveling, you will need to get tested before and/or after arrival depending on the laws of the country you are visiting and your country of residence. For the well-being of everyone involved, you must opt for the right test.

COVID-19 can be life-threatening. So, always choose a reputed testing center in your area.

Utilize location-based online searches; such as COVID 19 PCR Tests Near Me to find reliable clinics offering tests to detect coronavirus.

You can visit the clinic or opt for home testing. All good clinics and test centers offer mobile services. The clinic will send nurses or testing staff to your home or office to collect samples. Another good keyword example for your online search is Coronavirus Testing Utah.

Here are the types of tests to detect coronavirus.

COVID PCR Test

PCR or polymerase chain reaction is FDA-authorized and a type of molecular test. It tests specimens from the upper respiratory area to detect the presence of the virus.

This test is done to detect active COVID-19 infection. It is the ideal test for those with symptoms of the infection. It is done after collecting samples via a nasal swab. With positive PCR test results, the accuracy is 100%. But if the test result is negative, there is a possibility of 2% that it is a false negative.

Choose PCR test if you have symptoms. Even if you don’t have symptoms but have been exposed to someone with coronavirus, PCR testing may be right for you. It is one of the most reliable tests to detect COVID-19 infection.

You may get test results within a day. Check with the clinic for the test result’s time before giving the sample. Nearby searches like COVID 19 PCR Tests Near Me will be useful in this regard.

Rapid Antigen Test

It is an FDA-authorized test to detect coronavirus in people even without symptoms. If you need to know immediately about the status of your coronavirus infection then this test may be right for you. The results are available within 10-15 minutes.

With rapid antigen tests, if the results are positive; it is 100% accurate. With negative results, there is a possibility of it being a false negative by 11.6%.

If you test negative by a rapid antigen test but start to experience symptoms, the next step is to go for PCR testing.

It is best for people without symptoms who are about to go to their place of employment instead of working from home. This test can help alleviate your doubts about the infection in case of possible exposure.

If you fear exposing your family and community members, it is best to go for a rapid antigen test to alleviate your fears.

Many companies choose to get their employees tested for coronavirus via rapid antigen test before they return to work. Rapid antigen tests may also be necessary for children returning to school.

Antibody Test

People with virus infections will develop antibodies for that virus. If you have had a COVID-19 infection and you want to know the status of antibodies in your system; you can go for this test. The antibody test is FDA-authorized and requires a drop of blood to get results.

If you have been being asymptomatic after possible exposure and wish to know for sure if you had the infection, an antibody test will reveal the information to you. You can get the test results in 10-15 minutes.

If the antibody test is positive, then it is a definite yes. But if the test is negative, it can be a false negative by 2.8%.

If you experienced symptoms of coronavirus 2-3 weeks prior but never got tested, an antibody test may be a good idea to confirm if you had the infection.

In case of any doubts, consult with your doctor or a reputed COVID-19 testing Center.